Yellowhammer Multimedia is publishing its list of Alabama’s most powerful and influential political leaders.

Taking into account conversations with political insiders, as well as the most recent developments in politics and public policy, the list is meant to recognize the top individuals in government and politics who leverage their power and influence on behalf of those they represent and the Yellowhammer State.

The ranked list is being released in five segments. Numbers 41-50 came out on Monday, and 1-10 will finish the week out.

Welcome to a peek behind the curtain.

Greg Jones, The Jones Group

What we said in 2021: Possessing an innate ability to connect with policymakers of both parties and all backgrounds, Jones has built one of the most durable practices in Montgomery. This experienced lobbyist and entrepreneur has set up a firm ready to engage on a wide range of issues at all levels of government.

Greg Jones is the rare contract lobbyist in Alabama who has a sphere of influence that extends well beyond the state’s borders. Jones is a highly effective advocate for his clients within the walls of the statehouse. He is also a leader among his peers, nationally.

Jones is a founder of the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association (NBPLA), an organization for which he currently serves as chairman. A key part of the NBPLA’s mission, according to the group, is to build “a national pipeline to cultivate and highlight African-American talent within the lobbying arena.”

The NBPLA could not find a better model for doing so than Jones.

Sommer Vaughn, Swatek, Vaughn & Bryan

What we said in 2021: Perhaps just as important for getting work done in politics is that hint of “don’t mess with me” that Vaughn possesses. Being able to evoke a tinge of fear in people behind an otherwise relatable personality is what delivers results for clients and amounts to longevity in the industry.

Is there anything happening in state government of which Sommer Vaughn doesn’t know the details? No, there is not.

When someone becomes so well-connected to other members of this list that they know every move on the political chess board, then they, too, are considered among the most powerful and influential in the state.

Add that awareness to an inside knowledge of the legislative process, plus a fierce work ethic, and you get a contract lobbyist who will need to be reckoned with for years to come.

Rodger Smitherman, Alabama State Senate

No rabbit has held the gun more in the Alabama State Senate during the last 10 years than Rodger Smitherman. And when he has the gun, “it ain’t no fun” for the Senate majority.

The former Senate president pro tempore is a force of nature in the state’s upper chamber.

Smitherman and his wife, Judge Carole Smitherman, have attained the status of Jefferson County political royalty based on their clout and years of service.

However, it has also been a result of his relentless representation of his constituents in the state senate.

When Smitherman is against your issue, watch out. No one knows the Senate rules better than he. And he has a willingness to spend hours in the well of the chamber blocking a bill, standing firm on his position and ensuring his district has a voice in the process.

A member of the University of Montevallo board of trustees, Smitherman continues to hold reserved seating at the table of Alabama power players.

Jeremy Walker, Alabama Association of Realtors

What we said in 2021: Coupling his ambitious leadership style with those resources will make Walker and his association one of the most impactful players during the upcoming 2022 election cycle. An attorney and former football player for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Walker should continue to widen his trail of power and influence.

Leadership positions at business associations are among the most widely coveted jobs in Alabama politics.

As CEO of one of the state’s leading business associations, Jeremy Walker has maximized his power and influence to the benefit of his members. Walker and his members have a formidable grassroots presence in what is amounting to be a busy election year. Most notably, he is shepherding the process for a group which has nearly $3 million available in its political action committee.

As the real estate market boomed, so too has Walker’s stature in Alabama politics.

Dax Swatek, Swatek, Vaughn & Bryan

What we said in 2021: He is skillful at interpreting complex polling data and using it to gain the upper hand in a policy fight. Through his campaign experience, he has developed a knack for sharp messaging which has proven vital to clients and sets him apart from many other lobbyists.

It is fairly common to find campaign operatives attempting to parlay their electoral experience into a governmental affairs practice. Working closely with candidates during the heat of a campaign is an ideal way in which to build a relationship.

Yet, few have made the transition as successfully as Dax Swatek. He has run races for congressional seats, judgeships, the state legislature, constitutional offices and a myriad of ballot initiatives. All of these laid the foundation for a well-established lobbying practice.

Swatek is a next-level strategist who ably taps into a unique set of skills to represent his clients.

Liz Filmore, Office of the Governor

Loyalty is often defined as a faithful adherence to a cause or a person. In the world of politics, it can mean sticking with your boss through the thick and the thin or for the duration of the boss’ service.

Perhaps there is no more valuable character trait in politics than loyalty. In the unsettled atmosphere of politics, it is essential for an elective official to have people in their lives who provide stability and consistent counsel.

Liz Filmore has become an essential member of the popular chief executive’s administration. Few know Governor Kay Ivey and the mission she seeks to carry out as well as Filmore.

Filmore’s smarts and focus have earned her high marks during her first year as chief of staff to the governor. Years of dedicated service to Ivey have paid off for Filmore, and now the vast operations of state government run through her office.

Anthony Daniels, Minority Leader, Alabama House of Representatives

What we said in 2021: As House Minority Leader, he has increased his power and influence in the lower chamber despite a reduction in numbers within his caucus.

Huntsville has become a center of power and influence in the Yellowhammer State. When mentioning the elected officials who ensure it yields such power, be sure to mention Daniels’ name.

Being leader of the minority party’s House caucus is a daunting task as the party’s membership is outnumbered by an overwhelming supermajority. However, this has not deterred Daniels from ensuring his party holds a seat at the table.

Republicans may control the levers of power in Montgomery, but Daniels, an articulate conveyer of his party’s message, makes certain Democratic members’ voices are heard.

At age 34, Daniels assumed the reins of the House Democratic Caucus and restored stability to his party’s ranks. His rise to power within the party was historic as he became the youngest and first black lawmaker to hold the position in state history.

Taylor Williams, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

Power and influence in politics is actually pretty simple math. The greater the number of relationships you have, the more effective you are.

And the reason why Taylor Williams sits comfortably on this list is because the number and strength of the relationships he has are difficult for anyone else to match. They extend into every congressional office and corner of state government. On the local level, county commissioners, mayors and city councilman across the state are eager to take a call from Williams.

That’s an indispensable attribute for his company. As director of external affairs for PowerSouth, Williams is responsible for the governmental affairs activity in the company’s large footprint. PowerSouth is an energy supplier in 39 of the state’s counties, with more than one million customers in Alabama and Florida.

He has also been a leading advocate on some of the Yellowhammer State’s most pressing policy initiatives, such as the expansion of rural broadband.

A skillful operator in every setting, expect Williams’ stock to keep rising.

Ben Patterson, Fine Geddie & Associates

What we said in 2021: Patterson is a scholar and able to easily grasp complicated issues. He is also a relationship-builder by nature and has connected with the state’s power players on a personal level.

Whether in the halls of the statehouse or in a boardroom with business leaders, Ben Patterson projects the type of presence which creates for him a distinct advantage among the state’s power players.

Patterson’s years of experience and extensive knowledge base make him someone policy makers and clients turn to for trusted counsel and a better understanding of the issues facing the state. His degree of credibility within influential positions throughout state government has grown to the point where people not only trust him, but they rely on him to navigate the process.

To paraphrase an old ad campaign, when Patterson talks, people listen.

That’s a powerful place to be in the lobbying world.

Steve Raby, Direct Communications

What we said in 2021: North Alabama is riding a hot streak, and Steve Raby is emblematic of its rise in recent years.

The Tennessee Valley continues to grow in power and prestige. As the region’s ever-expanding power continues to strengthen, so will the need for behind-the-scenes operators such as Raby.

The North Alabama political operative is a go-to for entities in the area seeking to have their priorities addressed in the legislature. Raby’s extensive network he has built throughout the decades has placed him at an advantage in the consulting profession.

Having the ear of some of the most powerful elected officials has earned him a spot on this list among some of the most influential operators in the state.

Yellowhammer will host a reception to honor the Power & Influence 50 on May 12th at 6pm in Montgomery.  Email [email protected] for details.